On medicare and not a senior

Specialty medical doctors are going to want to know what medical disability you have so they can figure out what meds and whether your disabilities impact their specialty area for you. It is their business! It is not every Tom, Richard, and Harry's business but all your various health care workers need to know what meds you are on and your health background.

That a person is clumsy asking what your medical disability is (by asking what you are doing on Medicare) since it is not "obvious" (I have a good friend who is quadraplegic, so I know his doctors don't ask him what he's doing on Medicare?) your pleasant, positive attitude can go a long way to educate! "You mean, I don't look disabled? Sorry, I don't mean to make you blush" chuckle, "I have a bipolar affective disorder, was diagnosed 5 years ago and am taking, X, Y, and Z meds".

There are so many ways Not to answer nosy questions. My favorite is just to smile. But then I have had to pull out a favorite from "Dear Abby" (remember her?!) from time to time. To a rude question she said it was appropriate to respond,"I can't believe you just said(or)asked that?!" And then continue not to answer. Or the other one, "Did you know you just said that out loud?", and not answer. That's if you're being pushed to answer a NOYBusiness question.

Have a great day...

I am not sure I said this already, but I joked with the doctor when he said that, even though I was dead serious.

I told him in a silly voice; jesting: "Oh, excuse me for sponging off the govt." I think that embarrassed him.

I forget if I mentioned that.

Carol

I'd be careful what I say, !

To a rude question she said it was appropriate to respond,"I can't believe you just said(or)asked that?!" ..

Careful? I am sorry I dont understand.

I think he needed to be brought up short.

And he did set me up for another appt, so hopefully I din't make him angry. I hope not.

What did you mean? Careful?

The only people who are going to come out and accuse you of milking the system, don't matter; they're ignorant, thoughtless souls at the moment and a pleasant putdown as in, "Thank you for your informed, thoughtful, understanding and kindness in asking that personal question, the answer to which I feel is none of your business" as you turn away can go a long way? You have to explain yourself to lawyers, doctors, the Government, professionals who are trying to help you but not to their lackeys who don't have your information in front of them and have their own axes to grind for whatever reason.

And, if the professional expresses themselves badly, like this vision guy did, you give a cheeky reply, "I'm doing quite well, thank you" and then, depending on their response (if they "get it" and apologize you let it go) correct their clumsy expression of "How are you on Medicare?" by asking, "I suspect you actually wanted to ask about my medical background and prescriptions, not make a personal comment or political statement about my age, income, or work experience?"

I know this is old... But this exact same thing happened to me again, for the umpteenth time, and I am very tired of it! I suffer from depression, as well--disorders on Axis I and II, and got approved for disability due to these disorders after a FOUR YEAR fight. Actually I applied a year or two before that but gave up hope and let it drop.

I'm 24 now. And everywhere I go, because I have no disability that can be seen with the eye, I get pulled aside and asked questions. It's rather discriminatory if you ask me! Or is it, not to be rude, just for the elderly...?

Today I went to a podiatrist. As I was in the office I heard the office workers whisper something about Medicare and, "Is this right?" I ignored it, figuring it wasn't about me. Boy was I wrong. When I see the podiatrist he asks me, "Why are you on Medicare?"

I guess I'm losing my patience these days... I just snapped the obvious, "I'm on disability" and added, "because of depression." The guy made a remark about "people being lazy". So I didn't care, I told him! I told him I've been on medication since the age of 15 for it, spent time in a psych ward, used to go to my state's all day therapy and counselling program at a top hospital, and a few years ago cut myself and received 17 stitches, as well as that I had a neuropsychological evaluation at one of the top hospitals in the state, 2 hours away, to finally get APPROVED for disability!

I'm soooo glad it's not just me... I nearly break into tears every time I get pulled aside and asked this! When I turned in my checks to cash or deposit from my Social Security awards, even the BANKS would do the same things! "Where did you get this money?" "Why did you get it?" The answer of, "For disability" is obviously not an acceptable answer to some institutions and they pry more!

This really shouldn't be happening! It's very invasive and rude! A FOOT DOCTOR, OR A BANKER, should NOT be asking my reason for disability! I would love to snap, "Why don't you contact Social Security and find out?" but alas, I am a very shy, quiet, and nervous girl.

I really like the response about not talking about it, it's not your business, etc...

But urgh! Drives me nuts!!!

sorry, didn't mean to sound offensive, just mean that I won't feed that current prejudice that some people have about being on disability. Glad you felt able to assert yourself, though. It seems unprofessional to me that a doc would behave in this manner, but I understand it happens a good bit! The best!

I m also on disability and medicare, medicaid from several accidents i was in. Just to get the money i had to be placed into a pshyc ward 5 time before they would consider it. I also have several other issues i don't feel like explaining every time i go to a new doc, and when the secretaries see my insurance i get the snub nose person. I would give anything to get a job but i'm not in any condition to work, and you would know it as i try to explain things. I have no transportation, but did do something to contribute to society at several volunter jobs jut because i feel guilty especially when "taxpayers" have their 2 cents. my husbnd and I both have contributed to taxes, my husband has a full time job,but i feel bad anyway.i guess the stigma still remains too.

I m also on disability and medicare, medicaid from several accidents i was in. Just to get the money i had to be placed into a pshyc ward 5 time before they would consider it. I also have several other issues i don't feel like explaining every time i go to a new doc, and when the secretaries see my insurance i get the snub nose person. I would give anything to get a job but i'm not in any condition to work, and you would know it as i try to explain things. I have no transportation, but did do something to contribute to society at several volunter jobs jut because i feel guilty especially when "taxpayers" have their 2 cents. my husbnd and I both have contributed to taxes, my husband has a full time job,but i feel bad anyway.i guess the stigma still remains too.